Here are some tips that I use with my Cheetah.

Fuel Vent Screens

To prevent wasps nests in the fuel vents use the filter/screens that go in Rainbird lawn sprinklers. They look like a large golf tee. Cut off the "cup" end and insert in the fuel vent hole. Change them out once a year (they tend to get brittle with age). This great tip is from Bob Dillon. Order from Rainbird Parts. 877-727-8772--Part Number is 107323. This part fits the 1800 series Rainbirds. Cost is only $0.15 each. Order a couple of dozen and hand them out to your Grumman friends.

Cleaning/Waxing

Never use Formula 409 or like products for cleaning. They can corrode aluminum.

Use Pledge, or Protect All to clean the windscreen. Never use paper towels -- use a soft cotton cloth to prevent scratching.

Protect All (Found at Camping World and other RV sales outlets) is the best thing I have found for protecting the paint. It is easy to use and does a fine job. After you have treated the plane and collect bugs on the leading edge -- just spray on Protect All and wipe the bugs off. (thanks to Bob Dillon for this tip) Some people use Pledge on the leading edge of the wings to make bugs easy to remove. NOTE: DO NOT USE PLEDGE ON IMRON PAINT Works great for cleaning the windshield and makes bug removal easy.

Protect All also makes a washing compound that is nice if you do not have a water hose handy. Just add some to a bucket of water and wash the plane. Dry it with a chamois. No rinsing necessary.

High Cylinder Temps

Check the baffles and baffle seals. If they are the original baffle seals change them to new Silicone rubber ones. Make sure they are positioned to seal properly. Check and seal all holes and crackt with RTV. NOTE:DO NOT USE THE THICK SILICONE BAFFLE STRIPS. THEY ARE TOO STIFF AND HEAVY FOR THE DELICATE ALUMINUM BAFFLES.

Use 8 oz. of Marvel Mystery Oil in each gas tank when you fill up. This provides lubrication to the valves and lowers temps. One quart in the crankcase is also good for aircraft that do not fly every week. If you use MMO in the crankcase change the oil after a few hours because MMO really cleans out all of the crud from the inside of the engine. (Note: MMO is not approved for aircraft use)

Seat Cushions

For those long cross country trips nothing beats Temperfoam for comfort. The Temperfoam with three types of foam is best. It you are very tall you might have to settle for two types. Depending on what seats you have you might have to trim the cushion, if so use an electric carving knife -- works great. With my Cheetah I just removed the old cushions from the cover and inserted the Temperfoam. Discuss it with Temperfoam 402-470-2346 http://www.temperforam.com

Send to: jdreed@mindspring.com